WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HF 4295

County authorized to approve up to 24 chickens on any lot by ordinance.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Gillman and 2 co-sponsors

Allows Minnesota counties to authorize residents to keep up to 24 backyard chickens via local ordinance, enabling small-scale residential agriculture at the county level.

Author added Rarick
#animalsandpets #governmentaloperations-local
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 4295

Legislative bill overview

HF 4295 allows Minnesota counties to pass local ordinances permitting residents to keep up to 24 chickens on any residential lot without state-level restrictions. Currently, chicken-keeping regulations vary by municipality, and this bill grants counties explicit authority to establish their own rules rather than being limited by stricter state or local codes.

Why is this important

As urban and suburban chicken-keeping grows in popularity for eggs, pest control, and sustainability reasons, this bill addresses a regulatory gap by clarifying local authority. It affects property owners interested in small-scale agriculture, local food production advocates, and neighbors concerned about noise, odors, and property values in residential areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Neighbor impacts: 24 chickens per lot could create noise, odor, or pest issues for adjacent properties, raising questions about enforcement and dispute resolution
  • Property value concerns: Some homeowners may worry that allowing chickens reduces neighborhood desirability or property values
  • Regulatory inconsistency: Counties could adopt vastly different rules, creating confusion for residents near county borders and complicating enforcement
  • Animal welfare standards: The bill doesn't specify housing, space, or care requirements, leaving welfare details to individual county ordinances

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.